The Chicago Bears recently made an attempt to inquire about trading for Pittsburgh Steelers’ long-time head coach, Mike Tomlin. League sources confirmed that the Bears reached out to Pittsburgh to see if they could discuss the possibility of acquiring Tomlin. However, the Steelers swiftly rebuffed this inquiry, and no discussions were held with Tomlin himself. The Bears’ interest in Tomlin reflects their recognition of his strong leadership and coaching abilities, but the Steelers made it clear that they were not open to any trade discussions.
Tomlin Responds Firmly to Coaching Trade Speculation
Mike Tomlin responded to the growing speculation surrounding his future with the Steelers by firmly stating, “Save your time.” This remark was in reference to rumors about his potential availability for trade, particularly after teams, including the Bears, expressed interest. Tomlin’s strong stance suggests he has no intention of leaving the Steelers, and he shuts down any further speculation by directly addressing the situation. His response was clear and decisive, indicating that he is committed to continuing his work with Pittsburgh.
It wasn’t just the Bears who showed interest in Tomlin; at least one other team also explored the possibility of acquiring the Steelers’ head coach. However, that team was quickly informed that Tomlin holds a no-trade clause in his contract with Pittsburgh. This clause made it impossible for any team to pursue a trade for Tomlin without his approval, and as a result, the second team abandoned their efforts. Tomlin’s contract, which includes this provision, solidified his position and prevented any further trade discussions.
Steelers Have No Intentions of Parting Ways with Tomlin
Despite the recent frustrations surrounding Pittsburgh’s fifth consecutive one-and-done playoff appearance, the Steelers have made it clear that they have no interest in moving on from Mike Tomlin. Tomlin signed a three-year contract extension last offseason, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the league. With 18 seasons at the helm of the Steelers, Tomlin has consistently delivered strong performances, never having a losing season. This long-term commitment reflects the trust the organization has in Tomlin and his leadership.
Even though the Bears were rebuffed in their pursuit of Tomlin, they have continued their search for a new head coach. Chicago has cast a wide net, interviewing a diverse range of candidates. These include both current and former head coaches as well as top coordinators from various teams. Despite their interest in Tomlin, the Bears have not limited their search and remain committed to finding the right fit to lead the team forward.